PANAJI: The recently-inaugurated bus terminus at Marcel will soon boast an added facility—a public library containing over 20,000 books.
The state cabinet has granted approval to waive rent for 99 years for the premises belonging to the Kadamba Transport Corporation Ltd (KTC). The library will be set up by the directorate of art and culture on an area measuring 243 sqm.
The cabinet note stated that there was a long-pending demand from senior citizens, the reading community and students, among others, from Marcel and surrounding areas for a well-equipped, modern library. Accordingly, the department of art and culture had approached various government departments, corporates and private organisations for space.
When the new terminus at Marcel was inaugurated, the department approached KTC and the government, requesting them for space for a library on a rent-free basis.
A senior government official said that among others, the library would also greatly benefit people who have to wait for buses to arrive.
Art and culture minister Govind Gaude said that all types of books would be made available at the library. “We plan to get nearly 20,000 books, including e-books,” he said.
Gaude said that the department also has plans to start libraries on wheels in every taluka. Further, he said that the department has begun upgrading the Ponda public library and it would soon be a facility where youth can prepare themselves for competitive exams, including UPSC and GPSC.
